One thousand mile bike ride for dad who 'hasn't cycled in 25 years'

Bridgend dad Justin Hostettler-Davies is about to set off on a 1,000 mile ride from Land's End to John O'Groats with 10 friends, to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association
Picture by David Williams

So it came as no surprise to his family and friends when he decided to ride a bike from one end of the UK to the other, despite not having sat on a saddle since he was a child.

“Jumping on a bike for the first time in 25 years seemed like a good idea at the time,” said the 39-year-old from Broadlands, Bridgend.

“I’m not a cyclist at all. In fact I only bought a bike six months ago. But I have been out training.”

But on Friday the South Wales Police IT manager and 10 friends will set off from Land’s End in Cornwall heading for John O’Groats in Highland Scotland.

Justin, who is married to Kirsten and dad to Holly, nine, and Lucas, five, has organised the ride to raise funds and awareness of the Motor Neurone Disease Association after a good friend died from the progressive and incurable disease, which affects the nervous system and causes muscle wasting affecting everything from mobility to swallowing and breathing.

Last year he raised about £15,000 for MNDA by hiking the entire 650mile length of the Wales Coast Path. And before they even set off on Friday, the Cycle 4 MND event has already raised almost £6,500 in sponsorship.

He said that even though it is 870 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, the bike route they have to take will actually cover 1,000 miles.

“It’s a 14-day adventure,” said Justin.

“It can’t be any longer because we have booked all our accommodation. We will be averaging 70 miles a day and the longest day will be 95 miles.

“I am under no illusions that this is going to be difficult, but it’s only two weeks.”

And Justin has been buoyed by the thought of the publicity that the cycle will generate for the little-known condition and the support of Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon, who will cycle the Monmouth stage on August 19.

“For me, the main objective of both the walk and cycle is the awareness. I told the people joining me on the ride that they are not obliged to raise money, it’s all about raising awareness.

“But hopefully with the money and more research will come a cure for this terrible disease.”